Sunday, 9 April 2017

M&S Spring Picks | As Seen In Vogue

Way back last year, I was invited over to preview the M&S SS17 range before it went into production. What a privilege! Myself and some other bloggers were asked for feedback on the range to inform the decision making process and it has been brilliant to see some of these items finally arriving in-store.

Because everything was still under wraps and M&S didn't want other brands getting a sneak peek, we weren't allowed to take photos of what they showed us but the stand out items for me across the board were footwear and accessories...I loved the clean lines and bold pops of colour that were coming through. I also loved the monochrome pieces - perfect for easing yourself into a bolder and brighter summer colour palate.

As a kind of thank you for the involvement, I was invited to select an outfit around something I'd seen at that preview day. These shoes were my pick and it would appear I'm in good company as they're amongst a select number of footwear and accessories that have been chosen by Vogue Fashion Features Director, Sarah Harris to featured in a fabulous photo shoot and now have the 'As seen in Vogue' tag. Swanky! Sarah describes them as the perfect update to your ballet flat.

Fit wise, I always wear the M&S 5.5/39 and I find it's mostly perfect for me. These are no exception. I will concur with reviews online and say that they do elongate the foot, as you'd expect with a shoe that shape. For a size 5.5, that's ok but I can see how they might not be to your taste if you're a size 7 or 8 but they are beautifully flattering on the foot so definitely worth a try on. My wide feet were happy enough - they don't love them yet but they will as the leather softens.

To go with the shoes, I went monochrome with this coat. I have a few light coats like this that come into their own at this time of year - and in autumn too. The pattern gives it a spring-like feel but it's not too in your face either and will be perfect paired with any bright colour, or indeed my wardrobe basics of black/white and denim. I'm wearing the size 10.

I just love the boxy shape of these bags and as the colour means it's not exactly going to be a day to day bag for me, I'm delighted with the price tag of £15. The tomato colour in this bag is also lovely.

These drop hem skinny jeans complete my outfit. They're a regular skinny fit - I'd personally prefer that they were tighter but I know the super skinny fit isn't for everyone. What I will say is that the high waist is great and they worked a dream without a belt on me. I just love that they have a touch of distressing but not any full-on rips and they're a not too expensive way to try out a slightly distressed jean. I'm wearing the size 10R here and have turned up the hems in these photos to show off the shoes a bit better.

Testament to all the pieces is that I had them on the day they arrived and I've worn each piece with another outfit since. I always consider that when I'm deciding if I want to keep something I've just bought. I'm told it's called 'engaging' with your wardrobe and you need to do it as soon as possible after buying if an item is to be a successful buy. Well ok then!

Thanks to M&S who supplied the outfit to me free of charge and who regularly support this blog. I wasn't obliged to or paid to write this post. Thank you for reading and commenting. It means a lot to me that you take the time to do so 💛

1 comment

I went into M&S at the weekend with Mum and we were both fawning over those little bags, they had it in navy, red, yellow and tan in our store. I don't have much use for tiny bags that would realistically only fit my phone & a coin purse in but they are SO nice.

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I'm Avril - a 40-something busy working mum with a love of all things stylish. This blog is where I share my love of fashion, sale shopping, fitness & general musings on this funny old world of blogging & social media. Email me on avril@alifetostyle.com or click on the links below to see more!